From convenience to community, multifamily properties offer countless amenities to draw and retain residents. And with nearly 80 million people – more than 20% of all Americans – calling multifamily properties home, industry pros are always looking for ways to keep their developments attractive.
With increased attention on indoor air quality (IAQ) in recent years, leaders in the multifamily housing industry are putting renewed effort into helping their residents breathe easier, effectively turning IAQ into a new amenity. This push goes beyond adding more air filters or instituting smoke-free building policies. While those approaches can help, developers, property managers and engineers are exploring more innovative ways to improve IAQ from the ground up.
Starting with the right indoor air quality design and equipment doesn’t just help build healthier environments for multifamily residents – it also differentiates properties from the competition and positions them as leaders in an industry focused on living well. Here’s four things you can do to embrace this trend in your properties.
1. Embracing IAQ Design Guidance
It’s no secret that Covid-19 changed the already complex landscape of IAQ standards and certifications. The Environmental Protection Agency, for example, developed more stringent guidelines for their new AirPlus 2 standard. Updates like these, alongside required ASHRAE benchmarks and voluntary certifications like LEED and WELL Building standards have pushed developers to prioritize better air quality solutions.
“Building to the lowest code possible might save money upfront, but it often leads to long-term issues with maintenance and tenant satisfaction,” says Leon Van Oostende, IAQ expert and group sales manager for Panasonic Eco Systems. “The developers who build for the long run see IAQ as the lungs of the building. When it breathes properly, you’ll have fewer mold and mildew issues, making it healthier for residents.”
Advanced ventilation and air purification systems are key to meeting and exceeding these standards. These technologies not only improve air circulation but also give developers a competitive edge, setting properties apart as healthier, more desirable spaces to live.
2. Improving Moisture Management & Equipment Specifications
One factor that can’t be overstated in its ability to make or break a good living environment is moisture management. Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, threatening both the health of residents and the structural integrity of buildings. Managing indoor moisture is particularly challenging in multifamily properties, where multiple units share walls, ceilings and air pathways.
“Multifamily buildings tend to be heavy on exhaust,” Van Oostende explains, referring to everything from residents’ respiration to the moisture and particles given off by showering, cooking and cleaning. To manage all of this, he says, “balanced ventilation is key, but with multiple stories and shared spaces, the airflow dynamics can become complex.”
Van Oostende says Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are emerging as a go-to solution for maintaining balanced ventilation in multifamily settings. That is, replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, all while transferring moisture content and tempering the air during these constant air exchanges. Having ERVs in each unit of a multifamily property can offer a constant check on indoor moisture, helping property managers prevent mold-related issues and build longer-lasting properties.
3. Paying Attention to Maintenance & Longevity
Beyond creating a fresh living environment for residents, IAQ solutions must be designed with maintenance teams in mind as well. Durability and ease of service are essential to meet the demands of multifamily living. Equipment that works seamlessly over time reduces tenant complaints and operational costs.
“It’s not just about installing the right system; it’s about knowing how to maintain it,” says Van Oostende, noting that rental properties must train their maintenance staff to properly care for ventilation equipment. Condos and other owner-occupied homes will need equipment that’s easy enough for homeowners to operate easily and know when maintenance is needed. “ERVs, for example, require regular filter changes,” he says. “If those filters aren’t maintained, dust and debris can clog the system, reducing efficiency and air quality.”
4. Leveraging IAQ to Benefit the Bottom Line
While prioritizing IAQ is often framed as a health and wellness initiative, it has financial benefits too. Implementing the right combination of equipment can help improve a property’s energy efficiency, while also preventing costly maintenance like mold remediation, repairing moisture damage or dealing with HVAC equipment replacement.
ERV’s are a great example of energy-efficient IAQ equipment, but many other components fall into this category too. Smart thermostats can help keep traditional HVAC equipment running efficiently, and humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air purification systems all contribute to creating a healthy indoor environment while keeping ventilation systems running well.
Since most multifamily homeowners are responsible for their own energy bills, specifying energy-efficient HVAC equipment can appeal to tenants' environmental priorities and their wallets. Not to mention that properties with better IAQ are positioned to keep their tenants happier. Better indoor air quality leads to improved physical and mental wellbeing; when residents love where they live, they’ll stay longer.
“There’s always a balancing act between upfront investment and long-term savings,” says Van Oostende. “But when you consider the energy savings, reduced maintenance and increased tenant satisfaction, the ROI for IAQ improvements is clear.”
Building a Healthier Environment for Multifamily Residents
With the demand for healthier and more sustainable living spaces on the rise, IAQ enhancements present a compelling opportunity for developers to differentiate their properties in a competitive market.
For multifamily developers, prioritizing IAQ isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about creating better living environments for residents and ensuring the long-term value of their properties. By embracing advanced ventilation systems, addressing moisture management, focusing on maintenance, and leveraging the financial benefits of IAQ, multifamily leaders can deliver healthier, more sustainable and more profitable communities.
Panasonic’s advanced IAQ solutions offer developers the tools they need to meet these goals. Ready to learn more? Visit iaq.na.panasonic.com or contact a Panasonic IAQ expert to see how they can help you create healthier, more sustainable multifamily properties.
